Jeevan (actor)
Jeevan, born as Omkar Nath Dhar (October 24, 1915 in Srinagar - June 10, 1987), was an Indian Bollywood actor and was famous for playing the role of Narad Muni in mythological films of the 1950s. He has played the role of Narad Muni in more than 60 films. Later he played the role of a villain in many films of the 60s, 70s and 80s. His son Kiran Kumar is also an actor.
Early life
Jeevan was born into large family, he had 24 siblings. His grandfather was the Governor of Gilgit in Gilgit-Baltistan. He lost his father when he was 3 years old and his mother died at childbirth.
Career
From an early age, Jeevan wanted to be an actor as films had always fascinated him. Since his grandfather was the Governor, their family was considered royalty. Because a son of such a family joining films would not have been accepted as films were considered taboo, Jeevan ran away from home at the age of 18 and came to Bombay with only Rs. 26 in his pocket.
After a brief period of struggle, he eventually landed himself a job in the studios of Mohan Sinha (Vidya Sinha’s grandfather). His job was to stick silver paper on the reflectors. It was here while working as a reflector boy that he landed a lead role in the movie Fashionable India which was being made by Mohan Sinha.